City Man Jumps Off Bridge In Bid To Escape Police

A 21-year-old Allentown man wanted on drug charges temporarily eluded police Friday by taking a 40-foot leap off the south end of the city's Albertus L. Meyers Bridge.

Craig A. McClaren of 628 Tilghman St. fled on foot as police tried to arrest him near the south end of the bridge about 5:30 p.m., said Assistant Police Chief David M. Howells Jr.

In addition to drug counts, McClaren was charged with reckless endangerment after allegedly placing an officer in danger of death or serious injury by nearly dragging him over the bridge when he jumped, police said.

Howells said the officer caught McClaren on the bridge and grabbed his jacket, but McClaren tore free and leapt from the bridge, falling about 40 feet from the southwest corner.

McClaren limped away, heading east on Harrison Street, and climbed over a fence topped with razor wire, according to Howells.

Police caught McClaren at Seventh and Wyoming streets about 7:15 p.m. after another chase.

"We set up a perimeter and waited for him," Howells said. "He popped up again."

McClaren's arraignment by District Justice David Leh was delayed until about 1 a.m. Saturday because he was checked for injuries at Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown. He appeared in hospital garb. Howells said McClaren reported pain in his heel.

According to court papers, undercover police arranged for McClaren to deliver suspected crack cocaine in exchange for $100. Officers saw him leaving an apartment at 708 S. Eighth St., and when they identified themselves, he placed suspected drugs in his mouth and ignored orders to stop before jumping from the bridge.

Leh sent McClaren to Lehigh County Prison under $20,000 bail.

He is charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, resisting arrest, escape, disorderly conduct, tampering with evidence and related crimes.

Police searched the apartment that belonged to Diana Cromwell, 41, and found a large quantity of crack cocaine, a bag of marijuana and a cooking pan containing drug residue.

Cromwell was also charged with conspiracy and drug-related charges, as was DeShawn King, 24, no address given. They were sent to prison under $20,000 bail each.